The next morning, Severus busied himself in the study which he had been using for his potion making. The small business he'd been operating since leaving Hogwarts had started to take off and become relatively profitable. With autumn just around the corner, he was busy with simple pepper ups and other cold remedies.

"SNAPE!"

Severus paused stirring the potion, unsure of what he'd heard.

"SNAPE! HURRY!"

Severus immediately ran from the study, down the hall, and towards the kitchen where he'd heard the screaming. Severus's heart was pounding. It wasn't often that Severus felt fear. He slowed as he entered the kitchen. Potter was stood there, blood across his arm, continually pouring out. Blood covered the table. Severus's breath slowed as he saw the tears streaking the young man's face. Severus took Potter's arm in his hands and examined the long, incredibly deep cut running vertically along the artery in the man's left arm.

"Potter, did you... you didn't..."

"No!" He cried. He began to sob harder. "The knife slipped." Potter sniffled.

Snape cast a simple healing charm to seal the injury then wrapped his arm around Potter's waist to sit him gently in a chair.

"You'll be okay. You've lost quite a bit of blood, so you need to rest."

Potter nodded weakly. "I could've healed it myself but I panicked and I was afraid to loosen the pressure I had on it. I'm so daft. Thank you, Professor."

"Severus."

Potter sniffled but smiled.

"Are you sure? I've called you Professor for so long."

"We're friends now, aren't we?" Severus wanted to kick himself. He was becoming a dewy-eyed fool with age.

Harry nodded, the smile now showing even in the glimmer in his eyes.

"And I could be Harry?"

"Of course. As you wish."

"I was attempting breakfast. Sort of an apology for the way I yelled at you last night."

"No apology needed. It was I who was in the wrong, and I do apologize."

Harry moved to stand from the chair but was unsteady on his feet.

"Here," Severus wrapped his arm around Harry's waist once more.

"I'd like to be on the sofa," Harry requested gently.

Harry rested his hand atop the hand Severus had on the younger man's hip. Severus's breath caught in his throat. He helped Harry into the sitting room and onto the sofa. Harry sat gently and pulled his feet up onto the sofa.

Severus moved towards the staircase.

"Stay a little longer with me?" Harry sounded weak

"I'm going to fetch a potion to help you recover the blood loss more quickly."

Severus returned quickly and extended the small vial of purple liquid to Harry, who drank it easily. Severus sat by Harry's feet on the sofa.

"You should be feeling less dizzy soon."

Harry nodded thanks to Severus, but his eyes seemed heavy as if about to drift to sleep.

Severus placed his hand on Harry's ankle. Harry hissed at the touch.

"You're hand is cold."

Before he could remove it Harry said, "No, leave it there. It feels nice. Just surprised me."

"Stay awake," Severus requested, as Harry's eyes threatened to shutter closed once more. "I just want you to stay conscious until the potion has had time to work."

"Now that we seem to be roommates," Severus said, humor dripping from his voice. "Might I ask you a question?"

"Absolutely." Harry winced and groaned as he attempted to use his injured arm to sit himself up straighter.

"You said last night that you thought of me and not Ms Weasley."

Harry immediately blushed and looked away, a grin threatening to crack his serious facade.

"What did you mean by that?" Severus asked.

"You really don't remember?"

"I wouldn't be asking if I did."

"Perhaps for the best." Harry chuckled dryly. "I brought it up out of frustration but, trust me, it's not a conversation you'd like to have."

"I believe I would, which is why I'm asking once more."

"As my roommate, and not my professor, I believe I'm allowed to say no."

Severus looked away.

"Not right now at least," Harry added hurriedly. "One day. Not today."

"I'll leave it be, Harry."

Harry smiled wickedly. "I like hearing you say my name."

"I could get used to it, myself."

The color began to seep back into Harry's face, evidence that the potion was in full motion.

"Thank you, Severus."

The sound of his given name from those beautiful lips made Severus's cock twitch. Severus clenched his jaw, frustrated at his body's seemingly effortless reaction to anything Harry did.

"Whatever for?"

"Saving me just now," Harry yawned. "For saving me in the past. For being here with me. I know... I know our relationship hasn't always been the easiest." Harry's eyes slowly closed. "But I do respect you, sir. And I..." Harry yawned. "I care about you," Harry whispered. Harry's head lulled to the side, sleep having taken over.

When Harry awoke later, the dark curtains in the sitting room were pulled aside, allowing sunshine to filter in through the filthy windows. Judging by the brightness, it was likely mid-afternoon. Harry examined his cut, now all but completely healed.

Harry made his way to Severus's makeshift potions study. The door was open. Harry watched quietly as Severus pushed his sleeves up and began stirring a potion in a large cauldron magically floating atop a flame. The muscles in his forearms were incredibly defined. A bit of sweat glistened along the back of his neck. Harry licked his lips.

"I apologize for falling asleep mid-conversation."

Severus turned slowly, his eyes not leaving the potion. "Quite alright. That potion does tend to make one sleepy."

"It certainly did. I feel much better now."

Severus nodded silently. Harry waited a moment but no more was said, so he took his leave.

Harry busied himself for the next several hours. He cleaned as much as he could of the kitchen, dining, and sitting areas. He used spells for most of it, and his own hands for the rest. He realized there was something off about the home and then was pleasantly surprised when he realized it was that Sirius's family's portraits were removed from the walls.

Harry smiled to himself, feeling at complete peace to be back in the only place that ever slightly felt like home other than Hogwarts. Harry was also utterly pleased to not be here alone. To outsiders, Severus and Harry were perhaps allies, but absolutely not friends. However, Harry was sure that even the older man was well aware that their relationship had long shifted away from the animosity it once held. Harry sat in the floor, taking a break from scrubbing the baseboards, leaned against the wall, and closed his eyes. He was trying to imagine what color he could paint these walls that would be both warm and inviting but also bring some brightness into the home without being bright enough to make Severus roll his eyes. Harry's imagination of paint colors didn't get very far before images began appearing behind his eyelids of Severus's hand on his hip as he lead him to the sitting room earlier, or the taut muscles of the man's arms and shoulders as he brewed potions, the sound of his deep voice like honey echoing in Harry's ear...

"Harry."

Harry smiled and leaned his head back, welcoming the divine images of the man.

"Harry."

That wasn't his imagination.

Harry opened his eyes to behold the object of his thoughts hovering above him. The real thing was much more appealing than the one in his mind.

"Are you feeling ill, Harry?"

"No," Harry grinned. "I'm fine, thank you. Just... thinking about paint colors. Opinions?"

Severus eyed the room thoughtfully.

"A medium warm brown. Dark enough as to be warm but light enough that the room won't look like a dungeon."

Harry pushed himself up to stand.

"I like that."

"Why are you cleaning manually? Have you forgotten you're the most powerful wizard in generations? Although I've expressed doubts at your capabilities in the past, I'm sure it's not remiss to believe you could learn a cleaning spell or two."

Harry chuckled, "I did use magic for most of it. Mrs Weasley used to insist that a bit of good old muggle cleaning was good for the soul."

"Perhaps, But hardly practical."

Severus flicked his wand and instantly the baseboards were scrubbed clean, every speck of dust disappeared, and the room became brighter as the sun no longer had to fight the streaks of dirt on the windows.

"Thank you, Severus. Is there a spell to paint the walls as well?"

"There is, but to that end, manually applied paint lasts far longer than a charm cast over the walls."

"Right, so I'll head out to buy supplies. Oh and, Erm, thank you for removing those old paintings of the Black family tree."

"You're quite welcome. I had a strong inclination you'd not miss them. They were truly ghastly."

"They were," Harry laughed. "If you're not currently brewing, would you care to accompany me? I trust your taste in decor far more than my own judgment. We could get lunch as well. Since I utterly failed at cooking you a meal once more, I'm sure you're starving, as I am."

"Allow me to change and I'll return in just a moment."

Only a few moments later, Severus descended the stairs wearing muggle jeans, a grey t-shirt that hugged him in all the right places, places that made Harry's cock come alive when he deigned to admire them. The hollow of Severus's neck begged to have Harry's mouth and tongue against his, his strong arms asking to be held above his head as Harry sat atop Severus's delicious thighs.

Harry swallowed and coughed.

"I do not often require muggle clothing, but I do own them, Potter."

"It's Harry... and I meant no offense. You look," Harry chewed on his word choices. Delectable, sexy, ravishing, handsome. Harry settled for, "You look nice."

Severus bowed his head curtly.

"Ready?" Severus asked, stepping closer. Severus's long fingers wrapped gently around Harry's uninjured arm and apparated them into the alleyway next to a muggle shop. Severus looked around before tucking his wand into the waist of his jeans.

"Let's do this," Harry said excitedly. "I'm ready to make that old depressing house into a home."

"As am I," Severus agreed.

Harry stood before the hundreds of paper samples of color choices within the store. The tip of his tongue occasionally peeking out to swipe across his lips and moisten them. Severus couldn't help but to stare, telling himself we was absolutely not wishing to have his own tongue against those plump lips. Harry ran a hand through his hair, attempting to tame the curly mess.

"There are so many options for warm, mid-tone brown," Harry lamented. "What about this one?" Harry pointed to a sample.

"It's rather orange toned. A more neutral color would perhaps to more befitting."

"What's wrong with orange?" Harry's bright green eyes turned towards Severus. The man grinned devilishly.

"Color psychology. Orange tones tend to make one hungry."

"Now that I'm not on the quidditch pitch daily I probably don't need the extra calories," Harry mused. "What color were your quarters at Hogwarts?"

"Blue. A deep, royal blue," Severus stated matter-of-factly.

Harry raised his eyebrows. "Looking positively Ravenclaw, I assume? Lamenting over being placed in horrid Slytherin?"

Severus folded his arms across his chest. "Ravenclaw? I should think not! Blue is a calming color that assists with focus!"

A color captured Severus's attention from the corner of his eye. He reached out for it, just as Harry did the same. Their hands collided.

"My apologies," Harry muttered, but neither man moved their hand. Rather their eyes met and held contact.

"I think that color is a fine choice, Harry."

Harry nodded meekly, lips slightly parted. He picked up the paint sample but did not break eye contact.

"I supposed I should purchase quite a bit. Paint the entire level."

Both men knew that paint samples was not what lingered between them. Severus didn't know what was there between them, but he knew what he hoped it was. It had likely been decades since Severus had allowed himself to feel such hope, as the hope that currently arose in his chest.

"Right," Harry said, finally breaking contact. "Paintbrushes." The young man walked away towards the brushes. Severus hoped Harry didn't feel his gaze on his firm, round posterior as he walked away.

Harry insisted he was positively starved and decided to eat at the small bakery directly across the street. Severus checked that no muggle was looking and sent the large buckets of paint to the house to wait for them while they ate.

Harry moaned and hummed as he bit into his sandwich. Although Harry was certainly a man now, there was still boy-like joy within him. Severus couldn't help but smile. With all that Harry had been through, he wasn't cold or bitter or hateful. It was clear he still felt excitement at just experiencing the world around him. Severus wished that he still had that love of life. He had long been cold against the world.

"Thank you for your help, Severus," Harry said, finally finishing his lunch.

Before Severus could respond a small, round, elderly woman approached the two men.

"You two make a lovely couple," she purred sweetly.

"We aren't," Severus said coolly.

"I'm hoping we might be soon," Harry said with a wink.

"Oh, so what is the holdup, dear-y?" She asked Severus, humour in her eyes.

"Well, you see," Harry began. "He was my professor at uni so he's hesitant."

"Oh, well, Erm," the woman stammered. "Well, that's quite alright." She hurried away from them and out of the bakery.

Harry immediately broke out into laughter.

"You enjoyed that, did you?"

"Yes, I did. I really did!" Harry choked out around his laughter.

Severus rolled his eyes. However, he'd enjoyed it as well. The hope building inside of him was going to kill him. He bitterly decided that if this warm glow of hope burning in his chest grew any larger, he'd have to end their cohabiting situation quickly. Severus couldn't bear to hope and be turned away, he'd rather remove himself from the situation entirely.

"Sorry to have embarrassed you. I enjoy being around Muggles. I get to play pretend for a moment. I don't have to be The Saviour of the Wizarding World, if only for a moment," Harry sighed, swirling his spoon around in his tea.

"You didn't embarrass me. I understand. I don't often enjoy having to be myself either."

"I like that you're you," Harry said softly and placed his hand over Severus's. "That sounded daft," Harry rolled his eyes at himself. "But you know what I meant."

The ball of hope in Severus's chest grew larger and warmer right at that moment.

Severus cast a simple charm to provide a barrier against the paint on the floor and ceiling then the two men got to work, occasionally stopping to push a table or other furniture away from the walls. The two worked in peaceful silence for hours.

Harry looked to Severus who was now rolling paint high on the wall, close to the fireplace. Each time he extended his arm above him, his t-shirt would lift, exposing his sinewy abdominal muscles and sharp hip bone.

Severus must have felt Harry's eyes on him because he lowered the paintbrush and turned towards Harry.

"I like this color. You have great taste," Harry said.

Suddenly, an idea leapt up in Harry's mind and before he could truly think on it, he asked, "What would your ideal study be like? I'm not one for potions, you know, so what would a room like that need?"

Severus paused, thinking. "Underground is best, with concrete walls, to contain any mistakes. Adequate lighting, of course. Shelves, storage space, an area devoid of any clutter for the cauldrons, ventilation, work tables."

"And blue, for focus?"

Severus grinned. "Yes."

Harry noted it all, determined to commit the list to memory.

"Wanting to attempt to take up potions?" Severus asked.

"Well, if you're here, you could teach me, right?"

"My days of teaching are behind me, I'm afraid. I could brew anything you might need, however."

Harry smiled, "Right."

The full moon shone brightly overhead by the time the two men finished painting the entire entry level, except for the kitchen. The house instantly looked much better, more like home.

Severus lay himself on the sofa with a book, Harry sat opposite him in one of the chairs.

"I'll need to put new furniture in here to match your wonderful paint job," Harry mused.

Severus looked up from his book.

"If that is what you wish."

"Something more comfortable. I'm too old to enjoy this hard chair. It's hurting my bones."

"You're twenty. Hardly old."

"This body has been through a lot. I feel positively ancient."

"Why haven't your friends been to visit?" Severus asked suddenly.

Harry felt his cheeks burn hot.

"They think I'm still traveling."

Severus seemed to think about his statement before asking, "Not ready to see them yet?"

Harry cleared his throat then leaned forward towards Severus, his elbows on his knees.

"No, no. I am. I'd like to see them." Harry couldn't decide how honest he wanted to be, but the words came out before he could stop them. "I've just been enjoying my few days here with you. I'll tell them I'm back, eventually."

"Yes, being here with you hasn't been wholly intolerable."

Harry laughed, "I'll take that as a compliment."

Severus raised an eyebrow and returned to his book.

The next several weeks passed in much the same manner. The men would paint a room, buy new furniture for it then spend their evenings in the sitting room reading next to one another. Harry had forgone the hard wooden chair and now sat by Severus on the sofa. Occasionally one of them would turn a page and their arms would touch briefly. Harry lived for those moments, looking forward to his time with Severus as soon as he woke up each morning.

"We're nearly done."

"Hm?" Severus set his book down.

"We have finished every room now except mine and yours. What were you thinking for your room? Although if that's something you're particular about and would rather do on your own, I understand."

"You May paint and refurnish that room as you see fit, Harry."

"No, I want it to be to your liking."

"I won't be here forever, Harry. I'm sure one day you'll need an office or a nursery, decorate that room with that in mind."

Harry couldn't hide the shock and hurt in his face.

"What have I said wrong?"

"I won't be having children, I'm gay."

"Well being gay has hardly stopped anyone from having children."

Harry didn't respond, unsure of what to say.

"That's not what upset you," Severus observed. "What is it that I said wrong?"

"I know this began as temporary, but I was hoping you'd be staying... permanently. I think of this home as ours."

It was Severus's turn to look surprised.

"I will stay."

"Thank you," Harry choked out.

"I have orders to fill tomorrow. Afterwards, I could accompany you to buy paint for your room. I've also noticed a few bricks missing from the fireplace in your room. I could fix that."

Severus was unsure of what was bringing about Harry's desire to keep him there. Was it loneliness that could be cured by absolutely anyone being there? Was it that Harry did truly appreciate Severus's friendship? Did Severus's presence make him feel safer? Was it more than that? Severus didn't dare to hope. Surely the young man would soon be deciding to date, explore the Wizarding gay community, eventually start a family. Severus knew this arrangement wouldn't be permanent. Perhaps he should stop worrying and just enjoy it while it lasts.

Severus's thoughts were interrupted by the sound of Harry's book falling to the floor. He looked to his right, just in time to see Harry's head nestling against his shoulder, Harry having fallen deep into sleep. Harry began to snore softly. Severus leaned his head against the top of Harry's and placed a soft kiss to the young man's hairline. "Enjoy it while it lasts," Severus whispered to himself and fell asleep with his head atop Harry's.

Severus woke early. He always did. He looked down to see that he and Harry had rearranged themselves in the night. Severus was now outstretched along the sofa, with Harry asleep settled between Severus's legs and his head in his chest. Severus was about to wake Harry before he realized he had a problem. A problem that was currently throbbing against Harry's stomach.

Severus laid his head back and groaned.

This wasn't exactly a great time for his body to be betraying him.

"Severus," Harry moaned, nearly a whisper.

Surely he hadn't just heard that. Harry reached a tentative hand upwards and stroked Severus's cheek, down to his neck and let his hand rest on his collar bone. It sent chills down his spine and made goose pimples arise in his arms and neck.

"Harry?"

"Mm, Severus."

"Harry, are you awake?"

Harry nodded against Severus stomach then slowly looked up at him. Harry's eyes were still clouded with sleep.

"It's early," Harry murmured. "I was sleeping so well."

"Then go back to sleep." Severus gathered up his courage and lifted his hand to stroke Harry's head gently.

Harry sighed and fell promptly back to sleep. Once he was sure Harry was again deeply sleeping he carefully pried himself out from under the man and quietly made his way to the shower, where he quickly took care of his "problem." And did his best not to think of Harry as he did so.

Severus quietly left the house to head to the shops, Harry was still sleeping. If he could gather the supplies he needed for today's batch of potions, perhaps he could return in time to make breakfast just as Harry would be waking.

Something felt different today. Something inside of Severus. Hearing Harry moan his name and stroke his face had done more than stir up Severus's dormant sexuality. It had made his heart race, it had made that infuriating ball of hope in his chest much larger and much more persistent.

As it was still early, not many people were out yet. The sun had only just risen and the October morning air was still cool and crisp.

"Good morning, Professor Snape." Said the shopboy behind the counter of Borgin & Burke's.

"Hello," Severus greeted politely.

"Forgive me, sir, but are you alright?" The shopboy asked hesitantly.

"I'll be better once I can get these supplies and head back home. Why?" Severus eyed the small blonde man suspiciously.

"It's just, I've known you for years, Professor, but I've never seen you smile like that before."

Until the shopboy said that, Severus hadn't realized he'd been walking around Knockturn Alley with a silly lovesick smile on his face.

Severus gathered his shopping quickly and returned home. As he walked in the door, he immediately noticed Harry was not still sleeping. He heard Harry's voice from the kitchen.

Walking into the kitchen, now painted a muted burnt orange color, he saw Harry at the table with a man of about 30 years sat beside him. They were speaking animatedly until they noticed Severus and became immediately quiet.

Oh, Severus, you utter fool. Of course, Harry is seeing someone. Of course, he would be out dating. Why wouldn't he be? He was young and handsome. He wouldn't be settling for an ugly former professor 20 years his senior.

"Severus! Good morning! This is Malik."

Malik was incredibly handsome with amber brown eyes, a toned physique, and long black hair pulled back into a delicate but masculine bun. Malik smiled at Severus warmly.

"Hello, Malik," Severus said, showing no emotion. Malik stood to shake Severus's hand.

"I've heard so much about you, sir!"

Severus turned to Harry, "I'll leave you to it. I have potions to attend to."

"Sorry about that," Harry muttered to Malik as Severus made his way upstairs.

Severus made his escape quickly, settled into the study and began working on the days potions.

"Sorry about that," Harry said to Malik. "When he's focused on his potions..." Harry's voice trailed off.

"You really like him, eh?"

"I do, yeah," Harry smiled. "You know who I am so I'll speak candidly: Severus Snape is not at all who the Wizarding world thinks he is. Dumbledore, not to speak ill of the dead, but he used me as a means to and end. He did love me, I know. But his eye was on the greater good. And then I had my friends of course-"

"Mr and Mrs Ron Weasley?"

"That's right. I had them, but Severus Snape was really the only one to believe in me right from the start. He was hard on me, but only to push me to my true potential. When the ministry stepped back and The Order began doing more, Severus always made sure I was included while everyone else wanted to infantilize me."

"I understand why he means so much to you then. For what it's worth, Mr Potter, my family and I never thought he was loyal to the Dark Lord. We were all very pleased when he was pardoned."

Harry grinned, "thank you. Right, so, you can do it in blue concrete walls?"

"We certainly can. And there will be plenty of ventilation."

"I'm going to surprise him with a trip this weekend. Could you have it finished by Sunday night?"

"We can. It's a bit of a rush job so that will be an additional 2,000 galleons."

"No problem at all."

Harry signed the contract with the engineer and paid the deposit with a large smile, excited to see the look on Severus's face.

Malik left and Harry ventured to Severus's study. Except that the potions were being stirred with an automatic stirring charm and Severus was nowhere to be seen.

Harry climbed up the stairs to Severus's bedroom. He knocked twice. "Severus?"

"Enter."

Harry slowly pushed the old heavy door open. Severus's new room was gorgeous. The old wallpaper of faded snakes was long gone and was now replaced with a cool slate grey paint, new wood floors beneath a large black rug and the furniture was replaced with a heavy, black wooden wardrobe and matching four poster bed.

Severus had a suitcase on his bed.

"Are you going somewhere?"

"No, not yet. Just thought I'd prepare. I've made an appointment to view a few houses."

"I thought you said you'd stay with me." Harry tried to not sound quite so sad and desperate, but he'd failed.

"Harry. You finally have a life devoid of constant paranoia and battles. You can have a normal life. I'd never wish to hold you back from that."

"This life that I've been building here with you in the life I want."

"I'm not so sure how your potential love interest would feel about that, Harry."

Harry laughed, "what potential love interest?"

"The one sat in your kitchen."

"He's married to a woman and they have a few kids. Severus, he's a-" Harry didn't want to give away too much. "He's a home designer. I was getting some ideas off of him for the house. We only just met today after I called his office. Seemed you'd made yourself useful early this morning and I wanted to follow your lead."

Severus waved his wand over his suitcase and sent his clothes back into his wardrobe.

"I never want to hold you back from life, Harry. You deserve everything you desire and I do not wish for you to sacrifice any of that for me."

"Well, it would be much easier if you'd quit threatening to leave! Now, with that said, you need to repack."

Severus raised his eyebrows and his lips split apart ever so slightly.

Harry laughed. "We have plans this weekend. I know you're not a big fan of, well, anything... and certainly not a fan of Weasleys-"

"-On the contrary I actually have a great deal of respect for the Weasley clan."

"Wonderful! We are headed to The Burrow this weekend."

Severus looked more alarmed now than previously. Harry couldn't contain his laughter.

"Whatever for?"

"They're the closest I have to family. I've been back nearly two months now and have yet to see them."

"And this includes me, why?"

"Well, it's Halloween this weekend. I'd rather be here with you," Harry reached out and held Severus's hand. His hand was actually delightfully warm for once. Severus's long fingers stroked the inside of the palm of Harry's hand. Severus looked down at their entwined fingers.

"So," Harry continued. " I thought I could combine the two and bring you with me. Besides, Malik's crew will be doing some work on the house and I want to be out of their way. Would you please accompany me to the burrow?"

"I could deal with the Weasley clan for one weekend if it's what you desire."

"Splendid!"

As soon as Harry and Severus apparated outside of The Burrow's front door, Severus was internally kicking himself. How did he let his fondness for the young man make him think this would be a good idea? He had great respect for Molly and Arthur, and even their grown children who'd fought so bravely alongside the adults but standing outside the door, he already heard the ruckus of young children and adults alike screaming and running inside the home.

He looked over at Harry who beamed up at him, as he lifted a hand to knock on the door.

Molly opened the door, looking frantic, an apron tied around her, covered in flour and strings of egg white.

"Harry!" She shrieked as she pulled the young man into a hug.

"Hullo, Molly."

"You've brought Severus!" Molly released Harry and turned towards Severus, enveloping him in an embrace just as tight as she had hugged Harry. Severus returned the embrace. He looked over Molly's shoulder to see Harry looked rather satisfied and smug. Severus glowered at him, to Harry's apparent amusement.

About that time three heads of red hair and one Hermione Granger appeared in the doorway.

Ron, Fred, George, and Hermione attacked Harry with fervor. Severus wasn't sure at any time who was hugging him or speaking to him. At one time, he would have detested this. However, today, he didn't seem to mind.

Harry's friends shouted over one another as they pushed Harry and himself inside.

"Where have you been?"

"When'd you get back, mate?"

"You meet anyone?"

"Let them get in the door!" Arthur rumbled over them all.

The grown Weasley children ushered Harry into the sitting room, Harry looking back over his shoulder and smiling at Severus.

"Ah, Severus," Arthur greeted warmly. He shook Severus's hand and pulled him into a hug.

"It's been too long, old friend. Where've you been, eh?"

"Staying at the old Black Manor actually."

"Grimmauld Place? Really? And how's that been? Oh please, do join me in here!"

Arthur lead Severus into the sitting room. Arthur's children sat with Harry and Hermione on the small, crowded floral sofa. Arthur and Severus sat in the chairs next to the fireplace on the opposite end.

"Staying there has been rather pleasant actually," Severus finally answered.

"The Burrow is usually pretty pleasant as well. With all the kids and grandkids here, it doesn't seem it. But we've got an empty nest now, Molly and Me. I'd forgotten how quiet and empty this house could be!" Arthur laughed.

"I imagine it's much different," Severus agreed. He looked over at Harry. He was telling his friends now about his time in Germany. Harry looked over at Severus and smiled but continued talking to his friends even as he made eye contact with Severus. Severus smiled back at him.

"How is it cohabiting with young Harry, eh? Eager to get back to building your place at Spinners End?"

"No. Merlin no. Sold the land. I've been helping Mr Potter fix up Grimmauld Place and after that, I suspect I'll be buying a home and doing renovations of my own."

"Seems to me you might as well just stay. Seems Harry is fond of you." Severus looked back over at Harry who was still looking at him, grinning.

He looked back at Arthur. He had a sparkle in his eye reminiscent of the one so often displayed in Albus's.

"Alright, loves!" Molly called. "Dinner is ready!"

Arthur charmed the table to extend and transfigured a few teacups into extra chairs to accommodate the large group.

Severus took a seat on the side, next to Arthur's seat at the head of the table, figuring he'd let the younger adults sit together to catch up. Surprisingly, it was Ronald Weasley who pulled the chair next to Severus and sat by him. Hermione placed a hand on Ron's shoulder and cleared her throat.

"What?!" Ron asked her, defensively. Severus watched her as she jerked her head towards Harry.

"Move down a chair and let Harry sit there, dear."

"Who cares, 'Mione?"

"Move," she commanded. Severus smirked. Ron sighed and moved down a chair. Harry quickly took his place to sit by Severus.

The dinner was manic. It was nonstop overlapping conversations with each member easily disengaging from one conversation and joining the next, everyone speaking over one another. Topics of interest included Bill's newest child, Hermione's child's impending birth, Ginny's contract with the Chudley Cannons, Harry's travels, and the twins' shop's expansion.

Occasionally one member or other would ask Severus for his opinion on a topic. Whenever Severus would speak, Harry would smile at him, and sometimes place a hand on his knee under the table.

It was the closest to a real family experience he'd had in quite some time. Severus was surprised by how effortless it all felt. Long after dessert, as everyone sipped their tea, whiskey, or coffee the family remained seated only leaving momentarily to attend a crying child in one of the bedrooms upstairs.

"Oh, Harry," Molly called from down the table, over the several conversations happening between Harry and Molly. He and Harry both looked up.

"I'm glad you've surprised us with the visit but I've only one extra guest bed upstairs. You and Severus can both stay in there if that's alright by you."

"But there's only the one bed, Mum." Fred interjected.

"They can figure it out, I'm sure."

Harry smiled, "that's perfectly fine," Harry agreed. "Severus and I have been living together for a few months now so it won't bother us any."

The family became immediately quiet. All eyes turned towards Severus and Harry.

"You've been back for months!" Ron accused.

"I have. Sorry, mate. Just wasn't quite ready yet."

"Not ready to see us, your family, but just fine to shack up with Snape?"

"His name is Severus and yes. Nothing against you. You know I love you all. It's just been nice to have some time to decide what I want to do with my life. He's been helping me renovate Grimmauld Place."

"So now you've made all these life decisions and just ready to rejoin the family, eh?"

"Yes." Harry turned towards Severus and smiled. Severus felt his heart begin to race.

"Well, that's alright, then," Ron grumbled.

"I'm happy for you, Harry," Ginny said sweetly.

"We all are, dear." Molly added.

"So is Snape your boyfriend then?" Fred and George asked in unison.

Harry roared with laughter. It actually stung Severus's ego a bit.

"Round of quidditch?" Charley asked, setting down his whiskey.

"Grand idea!" Arthur clapped his hands together and stood up.

Bill and Charley used their wands to place lit candles high in the air to illuminate the "pitch" in the night sky.

All of the younger Weasleys picked teams and distributed old, well-used brooms.

Severus, Arthur, Molly, and Hermione settled into chairs in the grass to watch the impending match. It was uncommonly warm to be the night before Halloween. Severus pulled off his robe, preferring to be comfortable in the muggle jeans and t-shirt he wore beneath.

"That's not bloody fair!" Ron screamed.

"Oh get over it, Ron!" Hermione called out to the man on a broom high above them.

"What is he upset about?" Severus asked Hermione quietly.

"Same thing he gets upset about every time these ones try to play a round of quidditch: he doesn't want Harry and Ginny on the same team. Says it isn't fair because they're the best ones."

"Fine!" Harry called out. "Ron, let's switch teams then!"

"That's more like it!"

The game was hard to follow. It was a blur of flames atop candles, whizzing brooms, and the stars backlighting the players.

"Oof!" Hermione stood quickly.

"You alright, Ms Granger... Mrs Weasley?"

She smiled, "it's Hermione, Severus. And yes, this little girl in here has just decided to start kicking and punching. Startled me. Want to feel?"

Before he could answer, Hermione grabbed his hands and placed them on either side of her stomach. The movement of the life inside her was fascinating and beautiful. Severus hated to admit he was touched by Hermione sharing this moment with him.

Harry looked below him to see Severus feeling Hermione's round, pregnant belly. Severus's grin was beautiful, only lit by the candles above him and the lights coming through the windows from inside the house. Severus looked up just then. Harry beamed at him. Harry was having a great time with his adopted family, but this was the time of night he and Severus usually spent reading together. He wished that was what he was doing now instead.

The golden snitch flew past Harry. Ginny flew by him right after it, snatched it from the air and cheered.

"We won!" Ron called out, ecstatic.

"Oy! We could have won," Charley yelled across the field, "if Potter hadn't been busy ogling his boyfriend!"

Harry couldn't help but laugh uproariously. "Get over here and say it to my face!"

Charley's broom made a quick beeline for Harry's.

Once he was close he yelled again, "I said we could have won if you'd kept your eye on the snitch and not been ogling your boyfriend!" Charley started making exaggerated kissy faces. Harry laughed and leapt from his own broom and onto Charley's, sending them in a tailspin, and landing on the ground in a tangle of knees and elbows. They rolled about the grass, both laughing. The rest of the clan laughed as well. Finally, Harry had Charley pinned to the ground, sitting on his chest, his hands pinned over his head.

"Okay okay!" Charley laughed, "You've won! I admit defeat! I'm too old to be playing so rough!" Harry stood up and off of Charley, and looked towards Severus to share in the celebration of his defeat of the older Weasley boy. Severus was gone, but his robes were still draped over the chair.